Devlin Hodges Net Worth, Career, and Financial Journey: A Complete Look
When discussing athletes who’ve managed to capture attention despite unconventional paths, Devlin Hodges stands out. Nicknamed “Duck” from his days as a champion duck caller, Hodges carved out a unique career in football that has intrigued fans and analysts alike. A key part of this intrigue is tied to Devlin Hodges Net Worth and how his career earnings, endorsements, and post-football activities shaped his finances.
Below is a detailed, in-depth look at Devlin Hodges’s financial journey, including his early career, NFL contracts, endorsements, and life beyond football.
Early Life and College Career
Devlin Hodges was born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly, Alabama. He played college football at Samford University, a small program not usually in the national spotlight. Despite this, Hodges made a name for himself as one of the most prolific passers in FCS history.
In 2018, he won the prestigious Walter Payton Award, given to the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. His standout performances put him on the radar of NFL scouts, even though he went undrafted in 2019.
This underdog story is an important part of understanding his financial journey. Unlike first-round draft picks who sign multi-million-dollar rookie deals, Hodges entered the NFL with modest expectations and paychecks compared to many of his peers.
NFL Career and Salary Earnings
Hodges signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019. That year, injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph opened the door for Hodges to step in as starting quarterback. He started six games, going 3–3 and delivering memorable moments that energized fans.
In terms of contracts, Hodges signed a standard undrafted rookie deal. His annual salary was in the range of $495,000 to $610,000 depending on active roster status and league minimum adjustments. While this is significant income by most standards, it’s relatively modest in the NFL, where star quarterbacks earn tens of millions per year.
After his stint with the Steelers, Hodges later signed with the Los Angeles Rams practice squad in 2020. He then briefly played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2021. His CFL salary was much smaller, generally ranging between $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on bonuses and incentives.
Estimated Net Worth
Taking into account his time in the NFL, CFL, practice squads, and endorsements, Devlin Hodges Net Worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million.
This estimate factors in:
- NFL contracts at league minimum rates.
- Practice squad earnings.
- CFL contracts.
- Modest endorsements, mostly regional and tied to his unique “Duck” branding.
- Personal investments and savings.
While he didn’t accumulate the vast wealth of long-term NFL starters, Hodges still built a comfortable financial base for his post-football career.
Endorsements and “Duck” Branding
Hodges’s nickname, “Duck,” became a marketing hook. He leaned into it, appearing in promotional activities, charity events, and even merchandise campaigns during his brief run as a Steelers starter.
Though he didn’t land national multi-million-dollar deals, Hodges benefitted from regional endorsements and fan-driven merchandise sales. His popularity in Pittsburgh during his 2019 run was notable, and fans embraced his everyman story. This bump likely added tens of thousands of dollars to his total net worth.
Life Beyond Football
Hodges announced his retirement from professional football in 2022, at just 26 years old. His decision reflected both the physical demands of the sport and the financial reality of life as a journeyman quarterback.
Post-retirement, he has been active in outdoor sports and hunting communities, leveraging his duck-calling fame and personal interests. His skills outside football give him opportunities for brand partnerships, speaking events, and business ventures connected to hunting and the outdoors.
This diversified path may not mirror the financial trajectory of NFL stars, but it provides long-term stability and aligns with his passions.
Comparison With Other NFL Quarterbacks
When considering Devlin Hodges Net Worth, context matters. Compared to first-round quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, who earn contracts exceeding $250 million, Hodges’s financial earnings are small.
However, compared to many undrafted players, his ability to start multiple NFL games, secure contracts across leagues, and transition into life after football without financial stress is a success story in itself.
The key difference lies in financial security versus generational wealth. Hodges likely has the former but not the latter.
Legacy and Financial Lessons
Devlin Hodges’s story carries lessons for athletes and fans alike:
- Seizing Opportunity: Despite being undrafted, he maximized his chance to play and earn in the NFL.
- Financial Reality: Not all pro athletes leave with millions; earnings vary widely depending on draft position, performance, and career length.
- Post-Career Planning: Hodges’s early retirement shows the importance of having passions and career options beyond the field.
For aspiring athletes, his journey highlights the importance of smart money management and building a sustainable lifestyle, even if one’s playing career is short.
Final Thoughts
Devlin Hodges Net Worth reflects the journey of a player who defied odds, captured fan attention, and transitioned into life after football with resilience. While his financial standing isn’t in the same league as superstar quarterbacks, his career illustrates the varied economic realities of professional athletes.
Today, Hodges continues to build on his passions, secure his financial future, and inspire others with his underdog story. His net worth may not be staggering, but his story is a reminder that success in sports isn’t only measured in dollars.
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